Annapolis, MDoThe Annapolis School of Seamanship has been dedicated to educating and empowering mariners with the knowledge and skills necessary to make informed, safe decisions when operating and maintaining a vessel since 2002. The schoolis courses cover hands-on training in diesel, electrical, weather, and navigation as well as on board instruction. This year marks the introduction of a new offering from the Annapolis School of Seamanshipoa Trawler Training Charter designed to introduce boating enthusiasts to the trawler lifestyle.

The new Trawler Training Charter is for anyone considering joining the cruising-under-power community but who wants to know if life at 8 knots meets their cruising expectations. There is no better way to become acquainted with the cruising lifestyle than to experience it firsthand. Annapolis School of Seamanship offers a unique opportunity for anyone considering the purchase of a trawler, transitioning from sail to power, or who is simply curious about slow, safe, and comfortable cruising. A training charter is the ideal way to truly test the waters. No experience is necessary for this charter as the week-long liveaboard offering is all under the guidance of a USCG-licensed captain and experienced mate.

A three-stateroom Kadey-Krogen 48i is the flagship vessel for the program and can accommodate one to two couples or a small family plus the captain and crew. Participants will move aboard the trawler in Annapolis and begin their seven day, six night journey with an overview of the boat and planning session with the captain and mate. The goal of the course is to introduce participants to the cruising lifestyle while providing them with a base knowledge of cruising basics, so the first day the group will customize their learning objectives for the week. While the charter is a hands-on cruising experience it is also one in which the level of learning intensity is determined by the participants.

Leaving from Annapolis, the charter route includes some of the best ports on Chesapeake Bay with stops in Solomons, St. Michaels, and Baltimore. Participants will determine the balance of nights on the hook with nights at dock but will not have to bear the stresses of making slip arrangements, close-quarters maneuvering, or new docking situations. The lifestyle experience of the Annapolis School of Seamanshipis new Trawler Training Charter engages participants in the practical aspects of cruising while allowing them to establish a comfort zone under way. The experienced team on board creates an active cruising environment which rewards participants with a feeling of cruising in comfort and control. With a Trawler Training Charter, cruisers have an opportunity to invest in building confidence and gain an awareness of the lifestyle.

Unique to this Trawler Training Charter on board a Kadey-Krogen is that Kadey-Krogen Yachts will subtract from the purchase price of a new vessel the cost of the course for anyone who completes the course and later buys a Kadey-Krogen trawler. This incentive allows prospective Kadey-Krogen owners to experience life aboard their future vessel knowing that their money is being invested in confirming their trawler of choice.

The first course was held in early June and was a resounding success. The next course will be July 28-Aug. 8th with courses also in August , and September. For registration information, visit www.AnnapolisSchoolofSeamanship.com or call 866.369.2248.